Researching the sacred: reflections on the challenges and ethics of data collection.

Abstract

The paper describes the process of data collection and the challenges encountered during a study carried out at a religiously sacred site, that is, a Muslim shrine in Pakistan. Conducting research in a Pakistani cultural setting, using a research process and ethical framework derived from a Western world perspective presented a series of challenges. These included issues arising from working in an environment closely related to a particular religious value and belief system and a lack of basic infrastructure and privacy when conversing with people who were vulnerable and unacquainted with the concept of this type of research. Cultural awareness, empathy, a non judgemental approach, and reflective research can assist in maintaining ethical practice among researchers.